Complaints from residents near farmland in Clare have prompted the local authority to issue a late night and early morning Moo Ban.
The Moo Noise Reduction Act 2024, which comes into effect today, will see cows banned from mooing between the hours of 9pm and 7am.
Clare County Council says it’s responding to multiple complaints from residents near farmland who claim that late-night and early-morning mooing is disrupting their sleep.
The local authority says the act is being implemented after extensive research and public consultation and will see farmers provided with soundproofing options, such as insulated barns and white noise machines, to help keep their livestock quiet overnight.
Chair of the Council’s Bovine Special Policy Committee, Councillor Pat O’Gorman says the moove will make an udder difference to residents living in rural parts of the county.
It’s led to concern from some farmers though, including Pat O’Shea from Kilrush, who’s told The Colum McGrath Breakfast Show that he’s not happy with the changes.
“Ah sure, this is an absolute disgrace! How in the name of God are we meant to tell a cow when it can and can’t moo? Are they expectin’ us to give ‘em bedtime stories and tell ‘em to keep it down?! It’s madness,” he said.
“Well, the council insists it’s enforceable, Pat. They say that noise complaints will be investigated, and repeat offenders, sorry, repeat moo-ers, could face fines of up to €500 per cow,” warned Clare FM presenter Colum McGrath.
“Jaysus, I better start teachin’ my herd sign language, so they can whisper to each other instead,” farmer Pat concluded.
Anne-Marie from Ennis, meanwhile, supports the ban, saying she hasn’t had a night’s sleep in years because of the cows.
“I live near a farm and it’s just constant mooing. My alarm goes off at 7am, but sure the cows wake me at 5! I think it’s time they learned some manners.”
Clare FM has reached out to a local farmer to see if training cows to be quiet is possible.
Joe O’Brien of the ‘Parteen Seen But Not Herd’ Group said he’s working on a ‘shushing’ technique using gentle whispers and the music of Clare FM’s Country Corner.
“Early trials are promising, but some cows are just ignoring the rules altogether and their owners have told us to “pull the udder one!”
Clare FM wishes all our listeners and readers a happy April Fools Day!
Listen back here to the full story on The Colum McGrath Breakfast Show this April 1st, when Colum, Fiona, Cllr O’Gorman and the listeners discussed their views:
